Posted on 10/22/2007 11:45:55 AM PDT by beezdotcom
James Lipton, the host of U.S. talk show, Inside the Actors' Studio, once worked as a pimp in Paris, France.
The revered TV presenter, who has sat down with Hollywood's biggest names for in-depth chats about their life and work over the last 13 years, has revealed he once procured clients for French hookers.
He says, "This was when I was very very young, living in Paris, penniless, unable to get any kind of working permit... I had a friend who worked in what is called the Milieu, which is that world and she suggested to me one night, `Look, you'll be my meck... We would translate it perhaps... as pimp.
"We were earning our living together, this young woman and I, we made a rather good living, I must say."
Lipton reveals in his new book Inside Inside he would set up sex shows for clients of his lady friend.
He adds, "I had to accompany my clientelle to the Rue Pigalle, which is where these things occurred. And then I'd take them up to the room and I had to remain there because they were very nervous, they were young Americans for the most part... and they didn't speak French."
In 1996 we visited an old friend in Paris who lived in the 16th.
Every night he and I would light up some cigars and walk from Victor Hugo Square to the Arc de Triumph.
We passed many, many hookers in their little black dresses, though they would never make eye contact with us. They would quickly approach any car that pulled to the curb.
My friend said they could be arrested for soliciting pedestrians, but not motorists.
Go figure.
Several years later we met in Italy. While motoring on the Autostrada, he told us about the Italian hookers who haunted shoulders of the highways with their little charcoal grills, used to stay warm on cool evenings. His wife called them ‘Campfire Girls’.
My sister watches that sillya$$ show as if it’s some kind of Profound Intellectual Exercise.
What are James “Pimp Boy’s” qualifications for hosting that dopey show?
Pimpin’ ain’t easy...
It got worse from there, and needless to say, Amsterdam will never be my favorite city.
Dude, believe me — I’m kicking myself for that. I had my crappy little Nikon Kool Pix back then with the ten minute motion delay feature — so I tried, but he was long gone before I was able to focus and get a blurry pic of the street.
I don’t believe him. The guy’s a nerd. I mean, what self-respecting prostitute would ask him to be their pimp.
I’d be willing to bet he was all excited he knew the phone number or address of a French hooker and if one of his friends asked, he’d recommend her. Just like when a friend asks if you know a good plumber or dentist. This nerd was probably in the library every night.
dead. Just watched the youtube you linked. I’m no fan of Baldwins, but he does a great impression of CNR. Funny video.
Aren’t pimps supposed to be tougher than the average guy on the street? I can’t imagine Lipton being much help with a rough costumer.
He had to be the most annoying pimp ever, he kept asking the girls and their johns what their favorite word was.
It started out as a good show though. He used to have people like Arthur Penn on there. Now it’s people like J Lo and the case of Will and Grace.
cast of ‘Will and Grace’
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.